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The right-back has featured in just one of the caretaker manager's nine matchday squads and is set to miss out again when United travel to Leicester on Sunday afternoon.

The 33-year-old entered the final six months of his United deal on January 1 and has been free to negotiate with foreign clubs ever since, with United holding the option to extend his ten-year stay at Old Trafford by a further year until the end of March.

United are unlikely to trigger the additional year, though, and it appears that Valencia's primary concern rests in his participation in this summer's Copa America finals in Brazil.

Valencia, who has scored 25 goals in 338 appearances for United, has 93 caps for Ecuador to his name and his father's message confirmed the two-time Premier League winner's desire to captain his side at the competition.

“Son, I know that you are going through a difficult time but don’t stress because you’re with those who love you most," a screen capture of a WhatsApp message posted on Valencia's social media platforms read.

"You’re with your mother, your daughter and your wife. You know that they’re strong pillars in your life and your profession.

“I know that you’re worried about playing in the Copa America in June, you want to reach 100 games and I know that you’re thinking a lot about them.

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"But you know that God has the final say. Keep calm, everything will turn out well.”

Valencia posted the image with the caption: “When your dad writes to you and gives you great motivation. I love you Dad."

The former Wigan midfielder, who converted into a regular full-back under Louis van Gaal, was signed for £16 million in 2009 and has won the club's player of the year award once and the players' player of the year award on two occasions, the last of which came in 2017.